What is Horror-Punk?

I've always loved the darker side of life. Ever since i was a kid, Halloween was the best time of the year because ghouls, ghosts, and other nightmarish things haunted every corner. I've always loved Horror movies and lots of other creepy shit. So a few years ago, i discovered Horror-Punk, and let me tell you right now that there is not one genre of music I love and adore more than this

Horror music traces it's origins deep into the start of rock 'n roll, from Black Sabbath and Alice Cooper to tales of Blues Musicians selling their souls to the devil. But in the late 70's/early 80's a group from Lodi, New Jersey decided to put Horror as their focus, giving birth to the first ever Horror-Punk band, The Misfits.

They crafted a sound unlike any other punk band at the time. When most bands, like The Dead Kennedys and Ramones, were making songs on a more political/angry agenda, The Misfits had songs like "Astro-Zombies", "Death Comes Ripping", "Halloween", and "Teenagers From Mars". Their songs were not meant to be taken seriously, and just meant to have fun escaping to a world beyond the grave. Their original singer, Glenn Danzig, had a unique voice which became one of the trademarks of the genre sometimes referred to as an "Evil Elvis" singing style. The band broke up in the 80's, but reformed to mixed acclaim in the 90's with new singer Michale Graves of the band Gotham Road. A lot of people hate this period of the Misfits chronology, but I like both and actually the Graves-era CD "Cuts From The Crypt" is my favorite CD the Misfits have ever done. So i guess i'm in the minority, having the Graves-era as my favorite.

Because of the Misfits, Horror-Punk has blown up and become a giant underground musical movement. All bands have the same distinct characteristics: a doo-woppy singing style accompanied by ripping guitars, "WHOA"s thrown in constantly as hooks, lyrics of monsters and demons that tell a complete story sometimes even with a bit of humor thrown in for good measure. Most of all, to appreciate Horror-Punk you have to be in love with shlocky horror movies (be it Atomic-Age goofiness of the '50's, or the Splattery '80's Slasher/Zombie scene). All in all, Horror Punk is about having fun.

Another great Horror-Punk band is Blitzkid. With a mixture of the Misfits' style and AFI's energy, they have crafted a unique that many think will give them the honor of being the greatest Horror-Punk band of the 21st Century. I love this band so goddamn much, i have every song they crafted and know most of them by heart.

They are playing a show in March that a friend of mine's band is opening for, so hopefully i'll be able to meet them or something. All in all, Blitkid rules. end of story.

Calabrese is worth a listening, without a doubt.

One of the most powerful bands musically, with EASILY the coolest merchandise of any band ever, Calabrese fucking rocks. They sound like an old horror movie poster come to life. Check 'em out, and give them your souls!

And finally, One of the more obscure Horror-Punk but worth mention is a band known as Mister Monster.

They call their style "Boo-Wop" and it fits. MM is a bit more on the bluesy/romantic side, their songs are generally slower, but still retaining the horror motif. The only downside to them is that the singer's voice gets a little getting used to. But after that, you'll appreciate their discography a lot more. it's worth it.

The 69 Eyes are from Finland, and one of my favorites.

Mixing Horror-Punk with Metal and Old-school Goth, The 69 Eyes have a unique style.

Give 'em a listen, goddamn it!

Other Horror Punk bands worth checking out are:

Shadow Reichenstein

The Crimson Ghosts

The Rosedales

The Other

Zombeast

Nim Vind

Die Monster Die

Rezurex

LONG LIVE THE HORROR